Boris Becker, a multiple-time Grand Slam champion in tennis, visited the Messe Essen exhibition center, where the Universiade competitions, including the participation of the Azerbaijani team, are being held.
According to special correspondent of Idman.biz in Germany, the German sports legend spoke about the difficulties he faced throughout his career and the psychological pressures experienced by global sports stars.
According to Becker, one must work on their weaknesses to become better: “We are not computers that start working at the push of a button, each of us has feelings, hopes, and doubts.
Speaking openly can often be an important step. In the past, expressing weaknesses and fears was considered taboo. Today, accepting vulnerabilities is becoming increasingly important. To become better, a person must work on their weak sides.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Becker's coach played the dual role of both rival and psychotherapist. He reflected on how his life changed after winning Wimbledon in 1985 as a teenager and the support he needed to adapt to that change: “At 17, you can’t be fully prepared for everything that lies ahead. If I hadn’t won the final at such a young age, maybe it would have been more beneficial for my mind, body, and soul. In some way, I am responsible for all these scars.”
With all the experience he has now, Becker would give one piece of advice both to his younger self and to student athletes aiming for success at the Universiade, take a break: “There are phases in a sports career when you reach the limit of your capabilities and don’t know what to do next. In those moments, it’s important to press the 'pause' button and take a deep breath. When you start winning consecutively at a young age, the biggest challenge is maintaining that level for a long time.
Sometimes, you have to accept defeats, the opponent was simply better. That’s hard, especially in your twenties when you think you’re perfect. But that’s not the case. The sooner you accept this, the stronger you become.”
Now working as an expert, TV commentator, and tennis analyst, Becker has won six Grand Slam tournaments in total during his career, including three Wimbledon titles. After retiring from professional tennis in 1999, he went on to coach top players like Novak Djokovic (Serbia), Holger Rune (Denmark), and briefly Mischa Zverev (Germany).
According to Becker, it’s important for athletes to continue evolving and take time to rediscover themselves even after their careers end: “My stage used to be the tennis court, now it’s television. If I’m commenting on a major tennis tournament, then I’m definitely doing the final. It’s a great feeling.”
Sport brings people together, and for Becker, that is the main goal of the World University Games: “There are 8,000 athletes here, and everyone treats each other with friendliness. We may believe in different gods, have different skin colors, heights, or weights, but we are all athletes, we fight with determination on the court, and afterwards, we shake hands.”
Idman.biz
